office worker
/ˈɒfɪs ˈwɜːkə/
Meaning
An office worker is someone who does administrative, professional, or clerical work in an office rather than a factory or retail shop. It is a general term for anyone whose job is primarily desk-based. It is often used when discussing daily routines, lifestyles, or general employment.
Examples
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Most office workers in this city commute by subway every morning.
Most office workers in this city commute by subway every morning.
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As an office worker, I spend at least eight hours a day sitting at a desk.
As an office worker, I spend at least eight hours a day sitting at a desk.
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The local cafes are always busy with office workers during lunchtime.
The local cafes are always busy with office workers during lunchtime.
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My brother is an office worker for a large insurance company.
My brother is an office worker for a large insurance company.
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Many office workers now have the option to work from home twice a week.
Many office workers now have the option to work from home twice a week.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He is an office employee.
✓ He is an office worker.
While grammatically correct, 'office employee' sounds unnatural. 'Office worker' is the standard English collocation.
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✗ The office work is very busy today.
✓ The office worker is very busy today.
Do not confuse the person ('office worker') with the action or concept ('office work').
Related Expressions
Practice
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Because she is an ___, she bought an ergonomic chair to support her back.
💡 Someone whose job is based at a desk.
Show answer
office worker
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The restaurant offers a special lunch discount for local ___.
💡 People who work in the nearby office buildings (plural).
Show answer
office workers